The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a contract stalemate with franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft is entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million contract. Negotiations this offseason haven’t necessarily gone well. Both sides would prefer to reach a resolution before the season gets underway.
Yet, if the Buccaneers’ front office, led by general manager Jason Licht, can’t see eye-to-eye with Mayfield and his agent on contract value, then what?
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Mayfield Open to Franchise Tag from Bucs
Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaves the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s safe to say that Mayfield has earned some respect from the Buccaneers after arguably outplaying both of the contracts he’s signed with them since 2023, earning the first two Pro Bowl nods of his career.
Yet, for whatever reason, finding common ground at the negotiation table has been a far more difficult task for the Buccaneers and Mayfield. Known to be a fiery competitor, the 31-year-old has let it be known to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he wouldn’t be afraid of playing out the 2027 season on the franchise tag, should contract talks with the Bucs break down.
“Mayfield is on record saying he wants a new deal by training camp. So the Bucs need to make some progress here. They want to try to get something done. They are optimistic. But they’re gonna have their limits. They probably won’t give him everything he wants. However, the market is 11 quarterbacks make at least $50 million a year. Mayfield feels he’s outplayed some of those players. He’s got proof of concept in Tampa after three years. It’s gonna take some financial concessions for Tampa to get this done. Also, Mayfield is not scared of the franchise tag. If he were to play this out and they were to tag him, it would be around $47-$48 million in 2027. That could be a route. This is a guy who’s bet on himself before, he’s not afraid to do it now.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Baker Mayfield
As noted here: While Mayfield would prefer a long-term deal, he’s not afraid of the franchise tag, which would cost Tampa Bay at least $47M in 2027. https://t.co/udBIhnvhTU
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 26, 2026
Mayfield has definitely played the best football of his career as a member of the Buccaneers. Will losing Mike Evans hurt his ability to produce on a consistent basis? The Buccaneers don’t believe so, but no one will have the answers to that until the season gets rolling. Hopefully by that point this contract situation will have a resolution.
Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports … More about Andrew Buller-Russ